Obituaries

Mrs. Beatha “Elaine” Adams, 74, of Adairville, Kentucky passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. She was born in Gainesboro, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 13, 1948. Preceding her in death were her parents, Abe & Elizabeth Martin, Jr.; husband, Anthony “Tony” Dale Adams; and sisters-in-law, Betty Jo Martin and Nina Layne.

She is survived by her sons, Paul Anthony Adams and Brent Edward (Kim) Lee; daughters, Ursula Elaine (Erich) Lorenz, Kristy Shanon (Ryan) Williams, and Barbara Ann (Brent) Harmon; grandchildren, Braden Williams, Emily Lorenz, Nathan Lorenz, Lexi Lorenz, Chandler Harmon, Gwen Harmon, Courtney Harmon, Dustin Lee, Jannah Lee, Jessica Lee, and Ryan Brown; great grandchildren, Rachel Lee and Carson Sears; brother, Abe (Linda) Martin, III; sister, Gloria Martin; nieces, Samantha Martin & Lori Ann Melton; nephews, Daniel Watson and Bill Faulkner; close sister and brothers-in-law, Irma Melton, Bobby Don Melton, and Gary (Kay) Adams; and son-in-law, Ray Bryant.

Even as a fan of Elvis, the king of Rock and Roll, Elaine knew the one true King. She grew up in Baxter, Tennessee as a preacher’s daughter, and growing up in the church, she quickly found her God-given talents. It wasn’t uncommon for a preacher to have to move at inconvenient times, and Elaine learned to be obedient to God’s direction in life at a young age. That worked out well for her when her family moved her senior year of high school to Woodbury, Tennessee.

It was at Woodbury Central High School where she met the love of her life, Tony. After Tony graduated, he volunteered for military service in Vietnam, so he was shipped off to Germany. Elaine graduated in 1968, and she and Tony maintained consistent correspondence writing letters. It was in one of those letters from Germany that Tony wrote down his marriage proposal, and Elaine said, “yes.” Tony flew home on leave, and they were wed. After a brief honeymoon, he reported back to Germany, and the small town preacher’s daughter soon followed on what would be a grand adventure.

Following her husband wherever he went, Elaine traveled far and wide. Later, Tony was reassigned to Arizona, and that was where Elaine gave birth to their first child, starting an entirely new adventure. It was after they started expanding their family that Tony received his discharge papers, and they moved back to where it all began in Cannon County. However, their roots weren’t quite settled yet, and Tony was on the hunt, seeking better employment to support his growing family. So, they moved back to Elaine’s hometown of Baxter, where they had three more children.

Those walking shoes as a preacher’s daughter stayed hot, and the family moved two more times before settling down. In 1984, they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and then Springfield. They remained in Springfield until Tony answered the call of the Supreme Commander and transferred to Post Everlasting. He finally went somewhere Elaine couldn’t go with him. God still had a purpose for her on earth, and she made sure to not waste time she could spend sharing His light.

Since she couldn’t follow Tony, Elaine instead decided to leave Springfield and follow her son to Adairville, Kentucky. She quickly planted her roots there and became a member of the Millertown Church of Christ. It was in these latter years of her life, that Elaine found enjoyment in word search puzzles, Captain D’s, the Hallmark channel, crime shows, and old westerns. Elaine remained in Adairville until her health reached the point she needed to go into a nursing home, and then moved her final time to Woodburn, Kentucky earlier this year.

Elaine loved her life, her family, and the Lord. She blossomed into her God-given gifts when she got into full swing as a homemaker. Her passions were gardening, cooking, and sewing, and she had numerous variants of roses that followed her. In anything that she did, she strived to spread beauty throughout the places she touched. In her memory, she would have loved for roses to be planted to continue her mission.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 3-7 pm. Graveside services will be Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 3:30 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Rannie Phillips will officiate. Interment will be in Cherry Cemetery.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Shane Holt, age 62, of Woodbury passed away Friday, November 25, 2022 at his home.  He was born to his parents, the late Joe Don Holt & Fay Goins Holt on February 24, 1960 in Rutherford County.

Survivors include his sister, Shannon Holt of Murfreesboro; Brother, Donnie Holt of Smyrna; Aunt, Sue Holt Patrick of Woodbury; Cousins, Grant Holt of Woodbury & Todd Wiedeman of Wichita, KS; and his caregiver, Jennifer Colins of Woodbury.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lessie Morgan Holt, Lorene Armstrong Holt, John Goins, & Estelle Finley Goins.

Graveside Services will be at 2:30 PM Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Thyatira Cemetery with Bro. Herb Alsup officiating.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 11 AM to 2 PM Sunday, November 27, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Shannon Iago Cawthorn, age 63 passed away at his home in Bradyville, Tennessee, surrounded by his family. Shannon was born July 4, 1959. He was a son, father, and grandpa who was deeply loved by his family. Shannon was a lifelong farmer, worked in concrete and construction, and as a handyman.

Shannon was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cawthorn; and his wife, Pamela Harrison Cawthorn.

He is survived by his mother, Audrey Rogers Cawthorn of Bradyville, TN; son, Stuart Cawthorn and his wife Laura of Murfreesboro, TN; daughter, Abby Cawthorn Colter and her husband Casey of Mt. Juliet, TN; grandsons Canaan Colter, Asa Colter, and Atticus Cawthorn.

Visitation with the Cawthorn family will be Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Woodfin Memorial Chapel from 11:00 am until the time of funeral services beginning at 1:00 pm with Pastor Casey Colter officiating. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

An online guestbook is available for the Cawthorn family at www.woodfinchapel.com.

Ms. Sherry Sharlene Stephens, 49, of Woodbury, Tennessee went on to be with the Lord on Monday, November 21, 2022. She was born to her loving parents, Robert H. and Joyce Ann Smith, in Smithville, Tennessee on Tuesday, November 28, 1972. Preceding her in death were her mother, Joyce Ann Holden Smith, and her sister, Kim Prater.

She is survived by her son, Matthew (Michelle) Stephens of Woodbury; daughters, Ashley (Garrett) Hobbs of Kittrell and Kayla (Travis) Duncan of Woodbury; father, Robert H. Smith of Woodbury; brother, Bud Smith of Woodbury; grandchildren, Blake Stephens, Brayden Stephens, Aiden Hobbs, and Kinsleigh Duncan; special friend and caretaker, Eve Grizzle of Woodbury; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sherry was a bonafide Tennessee hustler but only in the sense of her work ethic. The only time she gave someone a run for their money was the day she was born. Fittingly born a Smith with a need for speed, Joyce just barely made it to the hospital before Sherry was born. Speaking of being a Smith, Sherry also picked up the trait of knowing how to work, and it didn’t hurt that she had a willing teacher.

If there was a job to be done, you could rely on Sherry to do it. Working on an engine? She was right there next to you. Building fence? Sherry was all in! In fact, Robert quickly found out that he could get more work done with a fence crew comprised of women rather than with one made up of men. Though some may have considered her to be “one of the boys,” Sherry wanted to be more than that. She wanted to be better (and faster of course) with a woman’s touch to go along with it.

That woman’s touch came in handy on many occasions, except when she tried to hang wall paper or pick color schemes for houses. When Joyce and Sherry got the idea to have a mother-daughter project and hang the wall paper, Robert ended up having to buy all new wallpaper and decided to keep them on building fences. Even Sherry’s children had some good laughs when they looked back on one of the last times she painted a house. Instead of a dream home, they described it to look like a gender reveal party threw up on the walls. Well, we can’t be good at everything, right?

And Sherry didn’t take that reality to heart. Besides, wall paper and painting? Those are easy talents to give up, but something that Sherry did take to heart was people. Her social personality made everything she did look easy. She never met a stranger, and with her constant eagerness to work, she met LOTS of people. Once she knew you, she could talk your ear off. It led to her success as a waitress at Ryan’s as well as many cherished memories of embarrassment for her children as they stood by during her conversations.

In everything she did, Sherry tried to emulate the love of Jesus. Before falling ill, she attended Sugar Tree Knob Church of Christ, where her faith flourished. Willing to give more than the shirt off her back to other, Sherry’s big heart always shined through. She would borrow money for anyone and not want even a single penny back. When people took advantage of her kindness, her heart still had enough room to forgive. That need for speed had translated over into her relationships. She forgave fast and loved even faster. And the people Sherry loved most? There was no doubt about it. Her family.

With her parents and siblings, Sherry loved them unconditionally. All of their projects and time working and training under Robert’s supervision led to a close bond. Early on, they enjoyed some fishing trips in their free time, and throughout her early years, Sherry lit up getting around the drag strip. She loved to get Robert fired up saying that someone was faster than him, but he must have been fond of his little girl’s challenges. In her later years, she and Robert decided to try out a father-daughter project, restoring a 1967 Mustang. They lacked getting the gas tank on for it to be drivable.

Then, there are the lights of Sherry’s life — her children. When Matthew was born, Sherry decided boys weren’t all that bad and finally let one beat her (from time to time). Though all of her children kept her running with school activities and sporting events, Ashley and Kayla were a different story. Sherry wanted to inspire them like her parents inspired her as a young girl and instill in them a mindset of constant improvement. So, while the kids were still young, she went back, got her GED, and started school at MTSU, working toward becoming a Pharmacy Tech.

Now on to Sherry’s favorite part. It’s been said once you have grandchildren, your children become chopped liver, and that just may have been the case for Sherry. Her originality shined through when she got the affectionate name, “G-Ma,” and she loved her grandbabies unconditionally. Her heart, her mind, her personality, everything Sherry brought to the table was original, genuine, and masterfully designed. The light she shared to guide and reassure others will be greatly missed but never forgotten. She went through life much too fast, but her memory will linger and race through her family’s hearts and minds forever.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 2-7 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Ray Ferrell will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story

Barbara Lynn Gooch Simmons, age 65, of Woodbury passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at her home.  She was born on December 29, 1956 to her parents, William Howard Gooch Sr. & Edna Pirkle Gooch in Atlanta, Georgia.

She is survived by her son, Terent Chester of Woodbury; Grandson, Cole Chester of Woodbury; Brother, Billy (Linda) Gooch of Mt. Airy, GA; Aunt, Joyce Shollenberger of Woodbury; Nephews, Ryan Gooch, William Gooch III, Jeremy Gooch, & Alex (Nicole) Gooch, all of Georgia; Great Niece, Rawlins Gooch of Georgia.  Also surviving are many special cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was survived by her husband, Joe Simmons; and her siblings, Larry Douglas Gooch & Carolyn Marie Gooch.

She was a member of the Plainview Baptist Church and was the Director for 29 years and an advocate of Haven of Hope for Battered Women.  Throughout her career, she impacted so many women and children where she advocated for their safety and spoke across the nation being the voice for many of these women and children.  She enjoyed knitting and farming and she was loved by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Jonathan Womack officiating.  Interment will follow at Cherry Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for the visitation from 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, November 21, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615.563.2311, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mrs. Joanne Willie Paschal Smith, age 88, a native of Cannon County, Tennessee and longtime resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at her home.

She was born on October 6, 1934. Preceded in death by her parents, Samuel D. Paschal and Willie S. Reed Paschal, husband, Alexander Luther “Buddy” Smith, Jr., and a granddaughter, Evelyn Grace Smith.

She is survived by her son, David Smith, daughters, Claudia (Jim) Henley and Cynthia (David) Keill, brother, Jerry (Faye) Paschal of Readyville, grandchildren, sisters, Shirley White and Patricia Mathers, grandchildren, Everett Smith, Michael (Amanda) Henley, Eric (Shelby) Henley, Mariah Alexandra Henley, great grandchildren, Hayley Lynn Henley, Savannah Henley, Taylor Henley, Ryan Henley, and Maverick Henley, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Early on, her parents instilled many wonderful characteristics, not the least of which was to respect the dignity of every human being. Mrs. Joanne thrived on understanding human nature and hearing other people’s stories. It was a well-known fact to anyone who met her, sharing her own experiences and wisdom came naturally.

As a young lady she set her sights on becoming a nurse.  Alas, it was the 70s and things were changing fast in this country. As a result, she decided to stay home and keep a close eye on her kids. He was a great provider and therefore she was able to pursue her greatest work and passion, her family. She would sacrifice to ensure that her children enjoyed the best of everything.

She and Buddy were blessed with 63 years of marriage. Through the years, as their family grew from the kids to grandkids and later great grandkids, she was overwhelmed with love and pride in her family. They lovingly called her Memaw. Even though she didn’t work as a nurse, her loving, caring, hopeful and nurturing spirit shone through as a wife and mother. The family knew she would have made an outstanding nurse, blessing all those would-be patients.  Often, she reflected on the things she learned while studying, sharing them with her family.  It was a point not lost on them and they loved it about her.  Periodically, she would surprise them with the knowledge she had stored up from her studies.  Those nuggets of wisdom would prompt the question, how did you know that? And she would quickly reply, nursing school. Drawing their memories back to seeing her with nursing books spread out intently studying while they were growing up. 

Keeping up with current events held a great interest for her, especially politics. She started out as a conservative for many years. Then as everyone who knows her knows she became a staunch Democrat. She could get away with saying just about anything to anyone — even in these very divisive times. She could charm her way into any Republican’s heart. That was Mrs. Joanne’s way.

Not lacking in talents, her artistic was evident to all.  An opportunity for a painting class presented itself once and she seized it.  The family still wishes the painting was not lost because it showed her true colors: beautiful.

Throughout her life, she maintained an incredible memory. She could tell you more about her family than anyone knew and maybe others’ families as well.

She was a passionate tennis fan and rooted for the underdog always.

She loved fashion and always looked perfect whenever she went anywhere. She encouraged her children to do the same. She was a talented seamstress and made many outfits for her children that were admired by all.

Looking good however was just one of the many ways she encouraged (and inspired!) all of her family – her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to excel in life in all of their endeavors. She was a proponent of following one’s dreams.

She was a voracious reader. She read the paper from cover to cover daily. She read a book a week until her eyesight failed her. She loved to write her name and date in every book she read. She encouraged the children to read as well and they read more than they ever would have without her encouragement. They grew up surrounded by books that she loved so much.

Another of her skills was a knack for making things beautiful. They fondly remember her gardening and the yellow roses she raised. Landscaping around the house with the help of her son-in-law Jim, whom she had known since he was 17, gave her great joy and satisfaction. A key part of her landscaping and homemaking included a “doll house”, as she called it, for the kids and grandkids to come home to. 

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 11-1 pm. Funeral services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm.  Her son-in-law David Keill will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com  Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337.  Because every life has a story.

Augusta “Gustie” Bowen Donnell, 95, passed away at her home Wednesday, November 16, 2022.  A native of Van Buren Co., she lived most of her life in Rutherford Co.  In the past several years, she lived in Woodbury.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Parker and Renae Swann both of Woodbury; 6 grandchildren, Barry (Robin) Parker, Kim (Jamie) Kilpatrick, Bubba Donnell, Jenny Donnell, Michelle Swann and Tammy Donnell.  7 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren also survive.

Ms. Donnell was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Josie Cooley Bowen; her husband, Jimmie Lee Donnell; son, Charles Donnell; son-in-law, Roy Parker; grandson, Logan Parker and siblings, Johnny, Ray, Roy, Louise and Myrtle Bowen.

A member of the Dillon St. Baptist church, Ms. Augusta was retired from Cummings Sign Co.  She was a great example of a Christian woman.  She loved to help anyone and enjoyed visiting with her friends and family.  She also enjoyed growing flowers. Up until Covid hit, she led exercise classes at the Cannon Co. Senior Center.

Funeral services will be 10 am Tuesday, November 29, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Patrick officiating.  Interment will follow at 12 noon at Roselawn Cemetery, Murfreesboro, TN. 

Visitation with her family will be from 4 pm until 8 pm Monday, November 28, 2022 at Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

“Some day you will hear or read in the paper that I am dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  I will be more alive than I am now.  I was born of the flesh in 1927.  I was born of the spirit in 1939.  That which is born of the flesh may die.  That which is born of the spirit shall live forever.  I am now living in heaven with my heavenly father and loved ones where there will be no death or sorrow.”   -Augusta

Gail Wayne Grizzle, 71, of Woodbury passed away Monday, November 14, 2022, at his home.  A native of Cannon Co., he was the son of the late Clarence and Armilda Lance Grizzle. 

He is survived by his siblings, J.W. Grizzle of Manchester, Jimmie (Sharon) Grizzle, Marcel (Roy) Melton, Darlene (Wally) Schneider and Raccine (Terry) St. John all of Woodbury, special niece and nephew, Allison Drake and Ty St. John both of Woodbury.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Don Grizzle, Ronnie Grizzle and Inell Grizzle.

A member of the church of Christ, Gail was an over the road Truck Driver.  He enjoyed watching wildlife, especially birds and deer.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. David George officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Colleen Farless, 33, of Woodbury passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at St. Thomas Stones River E/R following an extended illness.

She is survived by her mother, Stacey Keedy and her husband, Jacob of Woodbury; longtime boyfriend, Traie McBratnie of Woodbury; siblings, Lindsey (Taylor) Higgins of Readyville, Kacey Farless and Ethan Sargent both of Woodbury; step siblings, Becca (Brandon) Crew, Katelyn (Clayton) Cohen and Matthew Keedy all of IL., and her grandmothers, Judy Bowers of Manchester and Juanita Farless of Woodbury. Several aunts, nieces and nephews also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Farless and her children, Justus Ryan Light and Alexis Marie Brown.

Colleen was a member of the Baptist church and worked in the food industry.  Over the years, you would see her smiling face at Sonic, Lions Pizza Den or the Lunch Box.  She loved animals, especially her dogs, Rheagar and Zayda. She enjoyed riding horses, kayaking and traveling especially to Disney.  Colleen had the sweetest soul, never met a stranger and always wanted to make others feel good even about her own sickness, not wanting them to worry. 

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Friday, November 18, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. John Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in Cherry Cemetery.

Visitation with her family will be Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lupus Foundation of America.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311.  To leave condolences and memories for her family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

Mr. Cecil Drennan Smithson, 79, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on November 7, 2022.  He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, September 10, 1943. Preceding him in death were his father, Thomas “Leon” Smithson; mother, Della “Christine” Gaither Smithson Ash; and brothers, Charles Arthur Smithson, Jerry Smithson, Donnie Smithson, and Leon “Tommy” Smithson.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Smithson of Readyville; son, Andy (Susan) Smithson of Bell Buckle, parents of Claire and Drew Smithson; son, Brian (Melisha) Simmons of Woodbury, parents of Jackson, Ella, and John Simmons; daughter, Paula (Anthony) Leach of Woodbury, parents of Anna and Allen Leach; sisters, Linda Haley and Amelia “Amy” Henderson both of Woodbury; honorary daughter, Norma Knox; and close friend and neighbor, Eric Reed.

Cecil was born during the aftermath of the Great Depression, but he always was one to take just a little bit different path. After graduating high school, he considered it an honor to volunteer for service in the Marine Corps. It was there he got official instruction to scaffold his natural talent for being a mechanic. Cecil served from 1961 to 1965 working in the motor pool.

He was fortunate because the orders were anyone with 6 months or more left in their enlistment would be sent to Vietnam. Cecil had a little over 3 months left, so he barely missed being deployed. That was something he never took for granted as Cecil continued to serve the Nation stateside. All the investment the Marine Corps put into training him; Cecil was sure to put to good use keeping the country running.

He originally started at Jim Reed Chevrolet in Nashville, but later moved on to Time DC Trucking. Unlike all his brothers that drove trucks, Cecil became a diesel mechanic and worked on the trucks instead. His final civilian commission was at Ryder, and he served there for over 20 years. Now somewhere within his time in the garage, Cecil decided to get out a little bit, and that’s when he met Faye.

Fixing trucks wasn’t the only thing Cecil had to offer the world. He had an abundance of love to share, and he and Faye married in 1977 when Paula was 5 and Brian was 2. Normally this would scare some men away, but Cecil stood as a man of valor and quickly became an exemplary father. He and Faye decided to grow their love some more and had Andy 3 years later. Andy may have been the last child, but Cecil’s love was unconditional. He loved all the children that came into their home like his own.

But just because Cecil could do more than fix things doesn’t mean he left his knack at the workplace. On the contrary, he brought it home with him daily. Faye, the children, or a neighbor could bring him a problem, and he would think on how to fix it. A common phrase he used was “I might have that in my toolbox.” He kept all the equipment serviced around the house, and he and Faye bonded over keeping their yard manicured better than a golf course.

In his younger years, Cecil had found solace fishing and deer hunting, but when he got older, he really just wanted to fix things. On the side, Cecil enjoyed buying, flipping, and selling lawn mowers. He would park them in their driveway, but they didn’t ever seem to stay there long. Whether he was out working on something or going to pick something up to work on, Cecil made sure to keep the radio tuned in to old country and blue grass music. George Jones and Bill Gaither were two of his favorites.

After Cecil retired, he and Andy started mowing yards together, trying to deliver the same manicured lawn to other homes. This skill was one that didn’t fall far from the tree. Brian stepped in to continue the work where Cecil left off, and Jackson picked up a tip or two helping out where he could. Another trait Cecil tried to imbue in his children was a sense of humor. He was quite the prankster and had learned the talent of not taking yourself too seriously, especially if it meant making someone else smile.

And the ones that made Cecil smile? Those precious grandkids he loved so much. Cecil loved getting the grandkids on the mower with him or training them how to do some mechanic work for themselves. His family was his utmost priority, and that showed in his daily endeavors to be a protector and provider for those he loved. Cecil leaves a legacy as a Marine, as a mechanic, and as a family man.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 8, 2022 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 9, 2022 at 12 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Bro. Herb Alsup and Eddie Boggess will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Short Mountain Bible Camp.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story